Souhport Hospital. When am I going home? It’s ok to ask

Southport and Ormskirk hospitals’ chief nurse is asking patients and families to be curious about going home.

“We know that it’s much better for a patient’s physical and mental wellbeing to leave hospital as soon as they are medically ready to do so,” said Lynne Barnes.

“That’s why we do everything we can to reduce prolonged hospital stays and help our patients continue their recovery at home or, for those that can’t, in a care setting most suited to their needs.”

Lynne, who is Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Therapies at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, said patients and families should feel confident about asking about their care beyond hospital.

The key questions to ask are: What is wrong with me? What is going to happen next? What can I do to help myself get better? When am I likely to go home? Does my family know about the plans?

Lynne added: “I know it can sometimes be hard for patients and families to ask questions about where their care is up to but by asking you can feel more in control of your recovery.”